Senior Project

Over the course of history there have been individuals, or groups of individuals, that have influenced the world more than most of us could even imagine. When you apply this statement to music the first band that almost always comes to mind is The Beatles. The Beatles have left such a huge footprint in not only the musical world, but also in the lives of so many people. They have been so popular that John Lennon was even quoted saying that they were “more popular than Jesus now.” (Interview by Maureen Cleave).

While it may be hard to believe, these pioneers of the rock n’ roll world were once as famous as you and I. John Lennon was born on October 9, 1940, in Liverpool, Merseyside, England, during a German air raid in World War II. When he was four years old, Lennon's parents separated and he ended up living with his Aunt Mimi. Lennon's mother, Julia, remarried, but visited him and his aunt Mimi regularly. She taught Lennon how to play the banjo, piano and purchased his first guitar. Julia Lennon passed away when she was fatally struck by a car driven by an off-duty police officer in July, 1958. (John Lennon Biography)

Paul McCartney was born on June 18th, 1942, in Liverpool, England. Much like his bandmate, John Lennon, Paul had also lost his mother, Mary, at young age, his mother dying when he was only 14 due to complications after a mastectomy. Another similarity between the two were that both had a musically adept parent who encouraged them to play instruments. For Paul, this parent was his father, James, who was a pianist in a local jazz band. (Paul McCartney Biography)

Ringo Starr, born Richard Starkey, was born on July 7th, 1940 in Liverpool, England. Ringo, also faced a traumatic event that involved the loss of a parent, though his did not die. Ringo’s father left his family at age three. This was only the beginning of Ringo’s troubles, as he